The First 40 Miles: Hiking and Backpacking Podcast

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re always up for a challenge—and that challenge was to have a zero waste backpacking trip—no wrappers, no garbage, no junk. We’ll share what we did and how it worked out. Then we’ll review an all-natural way to package and protect your food, that uses no plastic, foil or mylar. And you’ll learn a backpack hack that will turn your used food packaging into tinder.

Today on the First 40 Miles, incredible trail reports peppered with phrases like stunning views, photographer’s dream, and crystal lake can almost make you ignore other phrases like aggressive ascent, grueling, or sheer rock. How can you tell if your hike is a good match for your skill level? Then, we’ll share a fun trip report from a listener in Australia where our winter is their summer. Next, a recipe from our new book “Trail Grazing” that will keep your fueled and happy on your next outdoor adventure.

Today on the First 40 Miles, our family did something that exercised our risk muscle and prepared us for some interesting side trails on autumn and spring backpacking trips. We went mushroom hunting without someone holding our hand! Then we’ll review a sturdy piece of outdoor gear that will give you a place to organize mushrooms, do a little outdoor sketching and maybe some meal prep.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we went on our first mushroom hunt and lived to tell the tale! Today we’ll share the treasures we found in the forest and we’ll share what we learned. Then, our trip guide from the Oregon Mycological Society, Leah, tells her story of how she entered the world of mushrooms. And we have some fun audio from the mushroom identification session at the end of our hunt.

Today on the First 40 Miles, how do you communicate from point A when your friends are at point B? One of our listeners clued us in to how he stays connected with trail mates while backpacking. Then we’ll review the communication device we’ve been using plus teach you a simple code you wished you would have known when you were passing notes in 4th grade. And we’ll leave you with some trail wisdom that will help you fine tune your communication skills on and off the trail.

Today on the First 40 Miles, when you’re new to backpacking and hiking, you probably have good sized list of things to worry about. We’ll help you add an item to your “do not worry” list—and give you some ways to be proactive. Then we’ll review a simple 100% wool beanie that was so great, we bought it again. Next, a hack that can help you add 24 hours onto your next trip—or can be a life-saving backup plan.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re at the time of year when hiking and backpacking have unique challenges—and we’re up to the challenge! Listen in on our planning session, then find out which dayhike gets the top vote. Next, a man, a plan, a can—a Canjo! Believe it or not, we found another trail-worthy instrument that can help you while away the dark winter nights (and the dark winter days). And we’ll share a backpackable recipe that will probably push you over your Pumpkin Pie Spice threshold.

Today on the First 40 Miles, there is nothing wrong with taking the slow route. Start now and you’ll be ready when everyone else is rushing and cramming last minute. On today’s top 5 list, a common kitchen ingredient that will change the way you backpack. Then, a review of a backpacking pant that stretches, breathes, and moves. And we’ll share a hack that will keep you balanced.

Today on the First 40 Miles, follow us on a whim to the land of crispy crust and creamy mozzarella, where the sauce is rich and spicy and the toppings are bountiful and varied. We’re going to make pizza! This episode is for everyone from the kitchen challenged to the culinary adventurers. So set aside your freeze dried sweet and sour textured vegetable protein, and let’s make pizza!

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve talked about foraging for food of the leafy green variety—but what about foraging for the creepy crawly variety? We’ll talk about edible bugs and try to make it sound delicious. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a true backpacking classic finds it’s place in our pack. Then, instead of jumping at every twig snap you hear in the forest, we’ll teach you how to be the one doing the twig snapping.

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’ve ever had a plan go awry, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about trip planning, and why it’s such a critical part of backpacking. For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll share a valuable book for beginners along with a hack straight from page 104. And we’ll wrap up today’s show with a little trail wisdom from someone who understood the power of planning.

Today on the First 40 Miles, Is it ok to skip school and hit the trails? We think so! Josh and our two youngest will share some of the highlights of the week. Then we’ll review a clever way to get food from the plat to your mouth. And, a few nights on a deflated pad is the inspiration behind today’s Backpack Hack of the Week. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from Arnold Bennet.

Today on the First 40 Miles, last week we turned the mic over to the kids. And today, we’re taking it back—and sharing a little bit of insight to parenting on the trail. On Today’s Top 5 list, are there principles that are easier to teach outside than inside? Then, we’ll review a versatile, functional, rechargeable light. For today’s Backpack hack, a crowd-pleasing three ingredient granola recipe that’s just begging for space in your pack.

Show Notes: Episode 151 Today on the First 40 Miles, the Legler kids are on the mic to provide the kids perspective on backpacking. They’ll share some fun memories from past trips. For today’s gear review, our youngest child reviews his kid-sized pack. Then some friends join us and share their experience backpacking. And we’ll … Continue reading 151: For the Kids, By the Kids: The No Parents Episode →

Today on the First 40 Miles, there’s something about being outside that lights a spark inside. It makes us more in tune with ourselves, it shuts out the noise of civilization and it slows us down—in a good way. Today we’re going to share some of our upcoming creative projects and hopefully inspire you to get started on your own! Then we’ll review a sub two pound tent that can fit you plus four really good friends. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to "steal like an artist".

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you want to be a friend of the forest, get to know the flora. We’ll share some ways to make your next trip more rich as you get to know the plants that surround you. Then we’ll review a new ultra-durable, refillable lighter. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn a plant-geek approved way to bring forest samples home for further study.

Today on the First 40 Miles, is it OK to skip a planned backpacking trip, without also taking yourself on a scenic guilt trip? Yep. And we’ll share some reasons why skipping a trip is OK. Then we’ll share a new twist on the classic carabiner. And, if you had a chance to experience the total solar eclipse in August, we’ll hook you up with even more heavenly wonders.

Today on the First 40 Miles, the surest way to lighten your food load is to extract the water from it. We’ll share our dehydrating successes, some graceful fails and some tips to help you dehydrate your own food. Then, for the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll show you a fun tool to make jerky—and we’ll give you a recipe that will help you pack your favorite Chinese takeout flavor on the trail.

Today on the First 40 Miles, what’s new in the world of backpacking gear? We’re back from the Outdoor Retailer Show to share gear that’s relevant to backpackers. Then, we’ll share a listener story that may inspire you to rethink your freeze dried chicken a la “whatever”. And we’ll share a backpack hack that will turn your hand held flashlight into a hands-free flashlight.

Today on the First 40 Miles, Are you a fair weather backpacker? This was a question Heather asked herself on our last trip. Then, we’ll share the Top 5 features we wish our gear had…nothing too crazy this time. Then you’ll learn the simple steps to make your own whole grain flatbread for your next backpacking trip.

Today on the First 40 Miles, one of the best feelings after a long day of hiking is that moment when you unlace your boots and toss them next to your pack. But have you ever thought about ditching your boots altogether? We’ll share some benefits of lightening up and going more minimalist with your footwear—maybe even barefoot. Then we’ll review a pair of shoes from Vibram that will practically gift wrap your feet in Japanese wrapping cloth. Next, we’ll help you crack the code on how to find long, winding trails.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ve been planning this summer for the past year…and it did not disappoint—and it’s not even over yet. We’ll give you a mid-summer update on what we’ve been up to and the trails we’ve hiked. Then, we'll share a hack from a real live Philmont Scout Ranger! And we'll wrap up with a little trail wisdom that will leave you feeling refreshed.

Today on the First 40 Miles, TICKS: The Parasitic Arachnid Episode. If you gross out easily when people are talking about blood sucking parasites, we give you full permission to skip this episode. However, if you’re kinda curious about ticks, how to keep them away and what to do if you end up being a host, then listen on. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review we’ll share an innovative way to remove ticks. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, an item you may already have in your first aid kit that will ensure a quick and easy way to say goodbye to any hitchhikers--plus we’ll dispel some dangerous myths that are still circulating about how to remove a tick.

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re too darned hot, today’s episode will give you some ideas for cooling down. And we’ll keep the heat coming with a review on a fire starter that’s non-toxic, long burning and waterproof. Then, on the Backpack Hack of the Week you’ll learn how create your own ultralight human powered AC unit (is that overselling it a bit?)

Today on the First 40 Miles, for everyone else it’s summer vacation, but not for you. We’ve enrolled you in summer school. Welcome to the College of Blister Knowledge. We’re glad you popped in! We’re going to do all we can today to prevent this universal trail trial. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a water filter that performs equally well in nearly dry creek beds or rushing glacial run-off. And one of our first 40 milers will share a wild trip he took with some friends.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re on site at Heather Lake in Washington State with Rudy from the Cascade Hiker podcast. We’ll talk about trail service and pulaskis. Then, we’ll review a lightweight container than can hold your precious habanero flakes or a week’s worth of ibuprofen. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick flick of your foot may prevent a trail full of mug bogs. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom, from a nature writer of the 20th century.

Today on the First 40 Miles, The Geocaching Episode. We’ll show you how to turn a simple hike into a bushwhacking treasure hunt and we’ll walk you through the steps to incorporate this fun activity into your next outdoor adventure. Then, a feature-rich solar charger that can power your next backpacking trip. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a free app that will get you started Geocaching in minutes.

Today on the First 40 Miles, how do you find people to hike with? We’ll play a fun game today to see if we can answer that question. Then we’ll review a 3 liter water storage reservoir that has a unique blasting feature. On today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, have you ever made up constellation names just to impress your hiking mates? Not only is that hilarious, but it’s also avoidable—and we’ll show you how. Then a little trail wisdom from a man who wished to live deliberately.

Today on the First 40 Miles, a hiker, a backpacker and a biomechanist all walk up to a bar. What they do next might just surprise you. On today’s Top 5 List, we’ll talk about how another podcaster we listen to has changed---nay---revolutionized the way we move. Then we’ll review some stretchy pants that allow freedom of movement along with the power of wool. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a movement hack provided by Katy herself.

Today on the First 40 Miles, if you’re planning your first backpacking trip, you may have some visions in your head about what it will be like. We’ll help you prep for your dream trip. On Today’s Top 5 List, you’ll learn the 5 things to keep in your car that will help you upon your return. Then, on the Summit Gear Review, a battery that can charge your cell phone and your car! Next, a listener shares a story of an unexpected incredible experience.

Today on the First 40 Miles, music on or off the trail is one of the great pleasures in life. Today we’ll talk about how to incorporate music on your backpacking trip: what to bring and what not to bring. Then, a top 5 list that will help you plan your personal playlist. Next on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a three stringed instrument, that’s trail worthy and is impossible to play wrong. And our Backpack Hack has morphed today into Backpack Homework.

Today on the First 40 Miles, if a news story didn’t involve the latest political scandal or secret missile launch, it probably didn’t even make it above the fold. Fortunately, we’ve found a handful of stories that we think you’ll find twice as interesting as what’s on the front page. Then, the Summit Gear Review will feature a handy waterproof stuff sack that can hold anything from muddy hiking shoes to all the fixin’s for a campfire dinner. Just not at the same time. Next, a simple way to give peanut butter a flavor makeover.

Today on the First 40 Miles, remember that BLM land we talked about in episode 131—we have some exciting news to share! A clean up group in Oregon has scheduled a clean up there—and you’re all invited! Then, we’ll teach you how to get street cred on the trail without having to roll up your pant leg and show any raccoon bite marks. Next on the SUMMIT Gear Review, will the inflatable insanity ever end? And a Backpack Hack that will keep you clean.

Today on the First 40 Miles, everyone needs a favorite backpacking spot—and you know what makes it even better? If it’s a top secret backpacking spot. On today’s top 5 list, we’ll break down our plans to make our off-grid backpacking Shangri-La even better. Then, a collapsible cookware set that takes up about a tenth of the space that a traditional set would. And we’ll answer every backpacker’s burning question about whether or not to bring your Snuggie on your next outdoor adventure. The answer is no. But we’ll give you an equally good option on today’s Backpack Hack of the Week.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we lost both our camera and one of our kids on a recent hike—and we’ll share how we got one of them back. On today’s top 5 list, how to incorporate bread into your backpacking meals, without ending up with a bag of crumbs. Then we’ll review a tent that uses trendy buzzwords like hybrid and compact. Next we’ll share a hack that will help others identify your lost camera and get it safely back to you. And we’ll wrap up the show with a poem of mysterious origin.

Today on the First 40 Miles, the time to build a solid nutritional foundation is now. We’ll share how we got back on track and improved our off-trail nutrition. Then we’re mashing up the top 5 list and the SUMMIT Gear Review to share 5 ways to get food into your mouth without spilling too much on your hiking pants. And we’ll share a free resource that will inspire you to take the next step in your nutritional health.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re on the trail in a hiker camp at Ecola State Park. We’ll get input from the kids on our Spring Break adventure. Then we’ll head back home and review a piece of gear we brought with us on the trail. And we’ll share a backpack hack that will turn leftover dinner into dessert.

Today on the First 40 Miles, leaving a trail of bread crumbs didn’t work out so well for Hansel and Gretel, so is there a better way to mark the trail that won’t conflict with Leave No Trace principles? Then Josh will share the top 5 things he does on every backpacking trip. Next, we’ll share a way to text, even when you’re days from a cell tower. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a ridiculous zero-gram trail game that will keep you entertained for hours.

Today on the First 40 Miles, a little small talk about small backpacking gear companies. Then we’ll share some benefits of buying from cottage gear manufacturers. Next on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll review a piece of gear we found by accident then we’ll share a hack that will reduce your productivity at the office today by 20 percent.

Today on the First 40 Miles, DRIP: The Rain Episode. Don’t let the rain keep you from getting outside! We’ll have some great gear recommendations for your next drippy trip. Then, a 3 layer rain jacket designed to sock it to Mother Nature. For the Backpack Hack of the Week, a way to keep your maps from disintegrating in a downpour. And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom from a man who is known for his humor…or wisdom… we can’t tell the difference.

Today on the First 40 Miles, If you’re planning your first overnight backpacking trip, we’ll talk about a few things that might surprise you. Next on our SUMMIT Gear Review an all-American pair of socks from a company who set out to create the best sock ever. Then, this week’s hack will get you outside, then inside, then back outside again! And we’ll wrap up with a little trail wisdom from Mr. Frost.

Today on the First 40 Miles, each of us are in a constant state of learning, and we’re all on different paths. Today we’ll share a few things that we have learned recently. Then, a spikey way to stay on the icy, snowy trails. For our Backpack Hack of the Week, a listener shares a tip he learned from another hiker.

Today on the First 40 Miles, is it possible to go out into the wilderness with a crusty loaf and a canteen of water—and then derive everything else you need from the land? We’ll share our experiences with foraging. Then on today’s Top 5 List, we’ll share the top 5 things that Heather does on every single trip. Next, we’re skipping the SUMMIT Gear Review and having a little story time instead. Today’s Backpack Hack of the Week is a little creepy, but super useful

Show Notes: Episode 121 Today on the First 40 Miles, ROPE: The Knot Episode.  We’ll be extremely judicious with the knot puns and deliver some solid info on how to start incorporating these mathematical beauties into your outdoor adventures.  For today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a cheap way to get a whole lot of line that’ll … Continue reading 121: ROPE: The Knot Episode →

Today on the First 40 Miles, your car has a mechanic, but when it comes to good body mechanics, it’s all up to you. Find out how to prevent injury in today’s top 5 list. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of backpacking clothing that goes before the base layer. Next, a zero gram solution that will support your lower back while you’re taking a quick break. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from the Bible.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’re not made of titanium (well some people are) but most of us experience injury that can sideline us from even getting out on the trail. We’ll share some ideas that will turn that recovery time into valuable trail prep. Then, on the SUMMIT Gear Review, Katadyn rocks the water filtration scene with a collapsible, ultralight, dead-simple filter. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you’ll learn how to get your knife sharp enough to split a hair or a log…

Today on the First 40 Miles, we’ll talk about a rare but real plague of the trail—the baditude. And we’ll offer some easy solutions for how to combat it. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, a piece of gear to go with your down jacket, down sleeping bag or down booties. Next, on the Backpack Hack of the Week we’ll show you how turn your plastic spoon into a weapon—no, just kidding. We’ll just show you how to extend the handle so you can eat your freeze dried food without getting your hands dirty.

Today on the First 40 Miles, RUBBISH: The Backpacking Trash Episode. We’ll answer some questions about trash on the trail, then share our top 5 favorite pieces of trash that we’ve found over this past year while hiking and backpacking. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, we’ll let you in on a fisherman’s secret for containing little bits of refuse. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, a quick hack that will keep your pots, pans and mugs clean. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from someone who considers all trail experiences to be gifts.

Today on the First 40 Miles, we have three stories we want to share with you today—of women on the trail—plus our takeaways from their experiences. Then on the SUMMIT Gear Review, an inflatable hammock that may not make it on your 40 miler, but might find a way onto your weekend two mile out and back packing list. Next, we’ll share the real recipe for a healthy, simple trail snack that almost everyone makes incorrectly. And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom from a guy who has strong opinions about one piece of backpacking gear.

Today on the First 40 Miles, Heather is back from the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City with tales of what she saw! Next, today’s SUMMIT Gear Review features a buttery soft, ultrastrong + ultralight hammock. For today’s Backpack Hack of the Week, you knew that a hammock had to do more than just rock you to sleep—and we’ll confirm your suspicion with today’s hack. And we’ll wrap up the show with a little trail wisdom from a guy who has some wise insight about backpacking.